logo
Dubai Holding Entertainment wins big at the 2025 MENALAC awards

Dubai Holding Entertainment wins big at the 2025 MENALAC awards

Zawya28-05-2025
Dubai, UAE: Dubai Holding Entertainment, one of the region's largest diversified entertainment groups, made a strong impact at this year's Middle East and North Africa Leisure & Attractions Council (MENALAC) awards ceremony. The group secured four prestigious awards across its portfolio—two for Global Village, one for The Green Planet™ Dubai, and one for Roxy Cinemas—highlighting its leadership, guest experience, and continued innovation in the region's entertainment and leisure sector.
Global Village was honoured with two awards: Best Theme Park – for destinations with over 500,000 visitors annually, recognising its continued ability to deliver exceptional, large-scale experiences to millions of guests annually, and Best Visitor Attraction, celebrating its unique positioning as a multicultural destination that blends entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural discovery. The Green Planet™ Dubai received the award for Best Edutainment Centre, in recognition of its immersive indoor rainforest and commitment to environmental education, conservation, and inclusive guest experiences. Meanwhile, Roxy Cinemas was awarded Best Campaign for FECs, acknowledging its innovative marketing strategies and guest engagement initiatives that continue to elevate the cinema-going experience.
Commenting on the achievement, CEO of Dubai Holding Entertainment, Fernando Eiroa said, 'We are incredibly proud to see our destinations recognised by MENALAC, which reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion of our entire team. These awards are not only a celebration of the exceptional experiences we deliver but also a testament to our continued commitment to innovation and excellence in the regional entertainment sector. We remain focused on raising the bar across all our destinations to create unforgettable moments for our guests.'
In addition to these wins, several other Dubai Holding Entertainment destinations were shortlisted across key categories. Global Village was shortlisted for Best Marketing Campaign for Amusement Parks, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai for Best Theme Park – Over 500,000 Visitors Per Year, Wild Wadi Waterpark™ for Best Water Park – Over 400,000 Visitors Per Year, and Dubai Parks™ and Resorts for Best Integrated Leisure Destination.
These recognitions reflect the passion and hard work of the teams behind each destination and reaffirm Dubai Holding Entertainment's promise to keep delivering moments that bring people together to connect, discover and enjoy.
About Dubai Holding Entertainment™:
Dubai Holding Entertainment is one the largest diversified entertainment groups in the region. It develops, operates and manages some of Dubai's most iconic attractions and family destinations, creating exceptional experiences, attracting millions of visitors each year. The portfolio includes Dubai Parks™ and Resorts, the Middle East's largest theme park, comprising of MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the region, LEGOLAND® Dubai Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and the region's only LEGO® themed LEGOLAND® Hotel as well as Real Madrid World, the first ever football theme park together with RIVERLAND™ Dubai, a themed food and dining hub that connects the destination. Coca-Cola Arena, one of the region's largest multipurpose indoor arenas; Wild Wadi Waterpark™, Dubai's original family-friendly waterpark, with views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah; Roxy Cinemas, offering a premium cinema experience across Dubai including Roxy Xtreme, the largest screen in Middle East and North Africa; The Green Planet Dubai, the Middle East's only indoor tropical rainforest with an outdoor Nature Park, Global Village, the region's leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment (between October and April); Ain Dubai, the largest and tallest observation wheel in the world, The View Palm Jumeirah, the highest vantage point on Palm Jumeirah with 240 meters above ground with 360-degree views; Arabian Radio Network (ARN), the largest radio network in the region; MPN, a multimedia sales house operating premium out-of-home assets, video production, event sponsorship, and activations; among many others.
For media inquiries, please contact: Ariana Jeanette Aaron - Current Global
cgprteamdubaiholdingentertainment@currentglobal.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

10,000 rials to 1: Iran poised to knock four zeroes off currency
10,000 rials to 1: Iran poised to knock four zeroes off currency

The National

time27 minutes ago

  • The National

10,000 rials to 1: Iran poised to knock four zeroes off currency

Iran has moved a step closer to knocking four zeroes off its currency, after economic woes pushed the value of one US dollar to almost a million rials. The change would mean 10,000 rials become one, making trading simpler. It was backed by an economic commission of Iran's parliament on Sunday, but still needs approval from higher authorities. The commission also backed keeping the name rial instead of changing it to one toman - which currently refers to 10 rials. The redenomination was first mooted in 2019 but then shelved. Iran's central bank governor Mohammad Reza Farzin said he would pursue the plan in May. He said the Iranian rial "does not have a favourable image" in the global economy. The move comes as Iran faces deepening economic challenges, including runaway inflation, a sharply devalued currency, and the prolonged impact of sanctions on Tehran. US President Donald Trump has reinstated a policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran, which also suffered heavy damage during a 12-day war with Israel in June. As of Sunday, the rial was trading at around 920,000 to the US dollar on the street market, according to local media and a website called Bonbast that monitors unofficial exchange rates. Turkey knocked six zeroes off its currency, the lira, in 2005, after years of high inflation. Zimbabwe once removed 10 zeros, turning 10 billion dollars into one after hyper-inflation ravaged the economy. In June, Iranian lawmakers approved new economy minister Ali Madanizadeh after his predecessor, Abdolnaser Hemmati, was ousted in a no-confidence vote for failing to address the country's economic woes. The current bill will have to pass a parliamentary vote and gain the approval of the Guardian Council, a body empowered to vet legislation. It wasn't clear when that would happen.

Asia's toughest obstacle race storms into Dubai this October
Asia's toughest obstacle race storms into Dubai this October

Khaleej Times

time27 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

Asia's toughest obstacle race storms into Dubai this October

The region's fitness and adventure enthusiasts have reason to celebrate — Devils Circuit, Asia's toughest obstacle race, is making its much-anticipated Dubai debut on October 26, 2025, at the iconic Emirates Sevens Stadium. The event is being held with the support of Dubai Sports Council and in media partnership with Khaleej Times and Channel 4 Radio Network. Gates open at 6:30 am, and the first race wave kicks off at 7:00 am, as thousands gear up to take on an epic challenge that blends adventure, endurance, and sheer grit. Covering five kilometers of rugged terrain and featuring more than military-style obstacles, including ice pools, rope climbs, mud pits, and wall jumps, the competition is going to test the skills of the participants. Devils Circuit is not just a race; it's an experience that rewards every participant not just with glory, but with serious swag. Runners who cross the finish line walk away with an official Devils Circuit finisher medal, a high-performance participant T-shirt, the iconic Devils Circuit bandana, a bespoke tote bag, and plenty more surprises that capture the spirit of the tribe. And the celebration doesn't end at the finish line, the legendary Devils Circuit Afterparty awaits, with live DJs, food trucks, music, and a festival-like vibe that keeps the energy going long after the last obstacle is conquered. With over 3,000 participants expected, this isn't just another fitness event, it's a cultural phenomenon coming to the heart of the UAE. Tickets are now live and exclusively available on Created by Spectacom Global, and brought to Dubai by Moju Events & Speed Entertainment, Devils Circuit is more than a race - it's a movement redefining the future of sport and fitness. 'We're not just bringing a race to Dubai, we're bringing a movement,' says Zeba Zaidi, Co-Founder, Spectacom Global.

UAE's GDP to surge stronger in 2026 on back of buoyant financial system: CBUAE
UAE's GDP to surge stronger in 2026 on back of buoyant financial system: CBUAE

Khaleej Times

timean hour ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE's GDP to surge stronger in 2026 on back of buoyant financial system: CBUAE

The overall growth trajectory of the UAE economy is expected to continue its upward trend, with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) forecasting 4.4 per cent growth in 2025 and a stronger rise to 5.4 per cent in 2026. Unveiling its 2024 Financial Stability Report, the apex bank portrayed a buoyant financial system and projected reassuring economic growth for the years ahead. The optimistic outlook is reinforced by independent forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, offering further validation of the UAE's stability and resilience. CBUAE's report highlights that real GDP grew by four per cent in 2024. Non‑hydrocarbon sectors led the charge, expanding by around five per cent, while the hydrocarbon sector rebounded modestly by one per cent. Independent institutions echo this confidence. The IMF projects real GDP growth of roughly four per cent in 2025, increasing to five per cent in 2026. The World Bank has revised its estimates upward, now forecasting UAE GDP growth of 4.6 per cent in 2025 and 4.9 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, with the non‑oil economy expected to expand by 4.9 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, the World Bank projects GCC-wide growth of 3.2 per cent in 2025, rising to 4.5 per cent in 2026. CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama emphasised that prudent policies, robust fundamentals, and proactive regulatory frameworks have helped insulate the UAE from growing global risk and support sustained momentum. This aligns with national strategies and global leadership aspirations, as the financial system evolves to support long-term economic vision and growth . Growth drivers in 2025–26 are expected to include both oil and non‑oil sectors. Hydrocarbon-related GDP is forecast to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2025 and surge by 8.1 per cent in 2026 amid easing Opec+ production quotas. Non‑hydrocarbon activity is likely to sustain a 4.5 per cent growth rate over both years, backed by public investment, diversification strategies, and private-sector dynamism. International observers highlight the UAE's capacity to maintain stronger-than-average growth compared to its regional peers. As the IMF notes, GCC growth is projected at 3 per cent in 2025 and 4.1 per cent in 2026, while non‑oil exporters in Mena continue to face slower prospects amid global uncertainty. The World Bank stresses that careful public spending in infrastructure, education, and green energy is key to translating growth into resilience across the region. According to economists, in practical terms, the outlook suggests that the UAE will remain a magnet for investment and capital inflows, supported by surpluses, moderate inflation, and stable sovereign buffers. The World Bank anticipates the current account surplus standing at around 6.2 per cent of GDP in 2025, rising further to 6.4 per cent in 2026. Job creation is expected to remain healthy as well, with employment growth projected at 3.3 per cent in 2025 and an unemployment rate holding at around 2.1 per cent. In sum, CBUAE's 2024 Financial Stability Report, supported by independent global institutions, presents a compelling picture of a UAE economy underpinned by safeguarding regulations, innovation, and prudent fiscal management. 'With diversified growth engines firing across oil, finance, tourism, and logistics, enhanced oversight structures, and digital transformation marking progress, the outlook through 2025 and 2026 is decidedly optimistic,' says Sunil Ambalavelil, a leading financial and legal consultant. 'The UAE appears well positioned to deliver sustained stability, moderate but steady expansion, and resilience even against a shifting global economic backdrop,' Ambalavelil added. These forecasts provide robust endorsement of the CBUAE's internal projections and reflect international confidence in the UAE's economic strategy—particularly its diversification and reform agenda. CBUAE emphasises that the stability of the financial system is underpinned by strong capital and liquidity buffers, improved asset quality, and effective macro‑prudential regulations. The introduction of the UAE Financial Stability Council in 2024 has enhanced coordination among key stakeholders, facilitating faster responses to systemic risks and improving oversight. Stress tests commissioned by CBUAE confirmed banks' ability to withstand adverse scenarios while continuing to extend credit and maintaining sufficient capital above regulatory minimal. The report also notes resilience among non‑bank financial institutions. The insurance sector saw written premiums rise 21.4 per cent in 2024, reaching Dh64.8 billion, while finance companies and money exchanges maintained healthy capital and liquidity positions. Digital innovation accelerated in 2024 with expanded FinTech adoption and rollouts like the Domestic Card Scheme 'Jaywan', the Aani Instant Payment Platform, and the advancing 'Digital Dirham' central bank digital currency pilot—these initiatives bolstered efficiency, inclusion, and systemic resilience, the report said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store